Adult ADHD Symptoms and Satisfaction With Life: Does Age and Sex Matter?

J Atten Disord. 2019 Jan;23(1):3-11. doi: 10.1177/1087054715612257. Epub 2015 Nov 17.

Abstract

Objective: To investigate adult ADHD symptoms and satisfaction with life, with a focus on age and sex differences.

Method: This study is based on parents in the Norwegian Mother and Child Cohort Study (MoBa). The Adult Self-Report Scale (ASRS-6) and Satisfaction With Life Scale (SWLS) scores were analyzed from 33,210 men and 41,983 women from young to middle adulthood.

Results: Mean ASRS total score was significantly higher in men, where 5.1% scored above cutoff, compared with 2.9% in women. Factor loadings supported the two ASRS subscales: Inattention (Inatt) and Hyperactivity-Impulsivity (HyImp) in both sexes. A significant decline with age was found on HyImp, whereas Inatt scores were reasonably stable in men and u-curved in women. High ASRS scores were associated with lower SWLS, but poor satisfaction with life was found only in high-scoring women.

Conclusion: Our findings suggest caution to age and sex when using the ASRS-6.

Keywords: ADHD; ASRS; MoBa; satisfaction with life; sex differences.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Age Factors
  • Aged
  • Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / epidemiology
  • Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity / psychology*
  • Cohort Studies
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Impulsive Behavior / physiology
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Norway / epidemiology
  • Parents / psychology
  • Personal Satisfaction*
  • Prospective Studies
  • Self Report
  • Sex Factors
  • Young Adult